I haven't been out in a month owing to a broken limb, and haven't been out late in half a year owing to our interminable northern winters, so everything about the experience was the perfect combination of fresh and familiar. The feeling of gravel shifting under my weight. Shadows dancing in my peripheral vision, in a field lit by the half moon. The smell of sulfur hits my nose and I notice a woman sitting in the bed of a parked pickup truck across the street idly smoking a cigarette, like a background animation. The buzzing of utility boxes and the uneven clomping of my boots. Things are very quiet without all the cars. I suspect the decrease in pollution is why the stars were so clear, as well.

It's nice not to be a cripple, or a brain in a jar anymore.

How have yours been, anon? Are you taking advantage of the empty streets and our new social distancing regime? And what's your nightwalk playlist?

I've gone a dozen times or so now, at different hours. Each has been more or less fun, though nothing can beat the absolute silence of 0200. One walk was just before dawn as I wanted to go shopping just as things were opening. I ran 5 miles through the woods, getting spooked by all the deer I was spooking. Having done so little cardio over the lockdown months I felt a little sick, like my heart wasn't right somehow. Probably because I was also lifting heavier in the interim, leaving me with bigger wheels, but a smaller engine to power them. I made it to town anyhow, which I'm told is supposed to be much more populated at this hour.

Last night I was walking home and saw a deer crossing the road, in the middle of the 'burbs. It crossed at the crosswalk like it knew. I followed it down the sidewalk half a block, because it was going my way anyway, and I couldn't help getting the impression that it makes this journey every night, like anybody. It stopped a couple times to listen, but not to me. It knew I was there, just a few feet away, and didn't mind. It turned into a little park where we parted ways.

Still feeling intense gratitude that I got to experience all this.>>833It's great. Babby's first nightwalk is just a trip to the convenience store. Depending on the wildlife in your area, your disposition might need to be less "nature hike" and more "sneaking mission.">>835Waiting for corona to end? But anon, this is the best possible time! The streets are empty with everyone cowering indoors.